The Annual Officers Conference of the Guyana Defence Force opened on Thursday morning with a call by President Donald Ramotar for members of the GDF to conduct themselves professionally during the upcoming elections.

Speaking to officers gathered for the opening ceremony at GDF Headquarters at Camp Ayanganna, President Ramotar first congratulated the GDF on its 50th Anniversary then made it clear to those gathered that as the country heads into campaign mood for the May 11, 2015 elections, they ought to remember that the GDF is a non partisan organisation and therefore its members must follow professionalism always.

“You must inspire confidence in citizens and demonstrate to Guyanese and the world that while as individuals in uniform you exercise your democratic right to vote as members of the GDF, as an institution you will carry out your professional responsibilities in accordance with the constitution and respect the legitimate outcome of the electoral process”, Ramotar said.

He told the officers that as Commander-in-Chief, he expects them to showcase exemplary leadership and not have the image of the army sullied. President Ramotar reminded the officers of their oath to carry out their duties “without fear or favour, affection or ill will and in the execution of those duties honor and uphold the constitution of the Republic of Guyana”

The President used the opportunity to point out a  number of national projects that have been undertaken by the government over the past years to aid in the country’s development.  Mr. Ramotar also told the GDF officers that he is confidence that the intelligence of the Guyanese people will be showcased on elections day.

Ramotar said security forces must ensure there is no feeling of fear and insecurity in the country before, during and after the elections. He said those who create problems ought to be dealt with by the law.

Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips told the conference opening that there are several important issued that will be addressed at the conference over the next two days.

Brigadier Phillips said the GDF takes its responsibilities seriously and will continue to carry out its duties. He said the Guyana Defence Force is proud of its support to other law enforcement agencies and its ability to assist with search and rescue efforts. Phillips said the GDF will continue to lead in the defence and the security sector while it will continue to pay attention to what is happening on the global front while it works towards safeguarding democracy in Guyana.

News Source understands that the political state of the country and the security situation are two of the big issues that will be discussed at the conference.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Post Office Corporation has unveiled special 50th Anniversary postage stamps for the Guyana Defence Force. The GDF has also launched a special 50th Anniversary edition of its annual calendar.

Filed: 5th February, 2015

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